Authorities in New Mexico will not seek charges against police officers involved in fatal shooting in 2023
Image caption: Robert Dotson was struck by 12 bullets fired by officers responding to a domestic violence report
Police not to face charges in fatal shooting
Authorities in New Mexico have decided not to seek charges against the police officers involved in a fatal shooting that occurred in 2023. The officers, responding to a domestic violence call from a house across the street, fired multiple shots, killing 52-year-old Robert Dotson, who was holding a gun when he appeared at the door of his home.
Family files lawsuit against the department
The Dotson family filed a lawsuit against the department last year, claiming that the officers parked down the street without their lights on, creating a tense and dangerous situation. When Mr. Dotson opened his front door holding a weapon, the police immediately opened fire, striking him 12 times. Although Mrs. Dotson was unharmed, 19 shots were fired at her as well, as she reportedly opened fire on the officers with a pistol.
No excessive force, say state authorities
New Mexico Deputy Attorney General Greer Staley wrote a letter stating that the officers’ approach, despite mistakenly approaching the wrong house, was reasonable, appropriate, and consistent with generally accepted police practices. The state’s Department of Justice concluded that the officers did not use excessive force when they discharged their weapons. The incident analysis included in the report determined that both Mr. and Mrs. Dotson posed an “imminent threat of death or great bodily harm” to the officers.
Image source: Law Office of Mark A. Curnutt
Family disappointed with decision not to prosecute
The Dotson family’s attorney, Doug Perrin, expressed disappointment in the decision not to prosecute the police. He stated that the incident raises concerns about personal safety at home, emphasizing that Mr. Dotson was not safe in his own home. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico responded to the decision, calling for “systemic change” in police use of force policies in the state.
Legal action continues in wrongful death lawsuit
A separate lawsuit, filed in federal court, asserts that the officers opened fire instantly and blinded Mr. Dotson with police flashlights, alleging that the police did not announce themselves. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from the department for wrongful death. The Dotson family hopes that law enforcement officials learn from this tragic event and enforce stricter de-escalation and use of force standards.
